Rising Above Adversity

To overcome adversity, one needs resilience and courage — that was one of the inspirational messages that motivational speaker Rohan Murphy delivered to Westhampton Beach Middle School students during an assembly on Jan. 3.

The students listened in rapt attention as Murphy, an East Islip native, told them about overcoming many challenges throughout his life as a double-leg amputee, and how he worked to perfect his wrestling skills and go on to play for Penn State. He urged the students to take on challenges and never give up.

“No excuses,” he said. “Anything is possible.”

Following the assembly, Murphy met with students in small-group settings, where the students were encouraged to ask questions. He also stopped in to several lunch periods and took selfies with the students.